Social Distancing and the Rise of Comfort TV: Hulu Reveals What Shows Viewers Are Turning To

I didn’t have HBO growing up, so I missed quite a few cultural touchstones. So, using my time to experience The Sopranos all the way through for the first time. Happy to report, yes, Edie Falco really is that great as Carmela Soprano. — Chris Harnick

I watched Seinfeld with my dad as a kid whenever it was on TV, but never actually sat down and watched the entire thing beginning to end. I have a whole new appreciation for it now as an adult—and jokes I thought were funny before are a LOT funnier now that I fully understand them. — Hillary Bautch

Westworld is a series that I’d heard so much about but never really had the time to dive into. As expected, the show’s thrilling plot twists and complex storylines have me hooked and I’m already done with season one. At this rate, I’ll be all caught up to season  three in no time. Not to mention, James Marsden makes a great social distancing buddy! —Emily Belfiore

I’ve had a lot of family and friends recommended it for years but never had the time to sit down and watch it from the beginning. Now I have the time! From what I know it’s beautifully shot, sexy, gripping and something that both my husband and I can enjoy together. — Lindsay Scheinberg 

After being obsessed with season one of this sexy Spanish teen soap, I fell off during season two mostly because of time. I prefer to watch with subtitles rather than the dubbing so I can hear how the actors intended their lines to be performed, but that means the show needs my undivided attention when I tune in. Now that the third season is here and I have nowhere to go, I’m happily back in the halls of Las Encinas with these hot and murder-happy teenagers. — Billy Nilles

Although I am still trying to figure out what in the (west)world exactly happened last season, watching season three is peak escapism for me right now and gives me plenty to ponder all week as I anxiously await the next episode. — Alli Rosenbloom

Schitt’s Creek something that has always been on my list! It’s very easy to watch and every single episode is hilarious. Plus, 90 Day Fiancé: This is a show I have become addicted to and is a good escape from reality. It is like a train wreck that you can’t stop watching! And Killing Eve: I love to throw an evil drama into my rotation! Despite its murderous tendencies, it does manage to make you laugh in each episode. — Amanda Williams

After a long day of working from home, there’s truly no better way to wind down than with a wild episode of Judge Judy. With her show ending sooner rather than later, we must savor every case and lesson! “Umm” is not an answer! — Mike Vulpo

I have a bad habit of not watching wildly popular shows while they’re actually on the air. (Game of Thrones? I don’t know her.) So in addition to binging West Wing for the umpteenth time (which I highly recommend—no one comforts quite like President Bartlet), we are joining everyone else in the known universe who has already seen 30 Rock many, many times. Can confirm there’s a reason it’s won some 11 Emmys. It’s providing us much needed laughs after a long day of juggling working from home and childcare. Plus it’s fun to catch cameos of the office building I haven’t seen in a few weeks. — Sarah Grossbart

When it comes to watching TV, I tend to stick to the two B’s: Bachelor and Bravo. I’m also tearfully saying goodbye to Schitt’s Creek and filling my Love Is Blind void with Back With the Ex. Oh, House Hunters International is my jam, too.

In this trying time, there’s nothing that calms me quite like Betty Draper’s incredible wardrobe, Don Draper’s everlasting sex appeal (even though he is quite problematic) and Joan Holloway being an overall rock star. — Samantha Schnurr

I actually haven’t started watching the show until now and with 16 seasons, it’s the perfect binge. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I can imagine Meredith Grey has this all under control while checking out McDreamy, McSteamy and really every doctor at Seattle Grace. — Kelsey Klemme

I never had the chance to watch season one when it was at its peak popularity since I didn’t have HBO. Now, I’m at my parent’s house and taking full advantage of their subscription, among other things. As dark as the show is, there’s just something so soothing about Matthew McConaughey‘s Texas drawl. — Cydney Contreras

I know I’m behind! But I’m finally watching Love Is Blind and it’s living up to the hype. I think I’ve yelled at the screen five times so far, in a fun way. — Jess Cohen

I’ve already, for lack of a better term, cheered on the Navarro cheerleaders as they make their way to Daytona. But, while social distancing in NJ, I’m rewatching because my mom has never seen it. And, let me tell you, on second watch, Monica is just as inspiring and Gabi Butler‘s parents come off just as…terrible. — Jamie Blynn

These shows are comfort food. I miss being in the office (believe it or not), and these shows help remind me that my coworkers (and myself) are just playing their characters in the sitcom that’s life. And…

Breaking Bad
I don’t think I fully appreciated the artistry of this show the first time around. That, and it’s a good reminder that it could always be worse. — Kate Riley

Standup has become my go-to to get my mind off of things. I thoroughly enjoyed Taylor Tomlinson‘s Quarter-Life Crisis on Netflix. Laughter can really get your mind off of things, so I’ve been re-watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Since I’ve seen it already, and in happier times, there’s a comfort to re-watching a beloved series like this one. — Jessica Finn